The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is now accepting applications for its Elevate Florida program, which provides funding to help homeowners protect their properties from future flood damage. This program offers Volusia County residents a chance to elevate, rebuild, or strengthen their homes, potentially saving them thousands in repairs, lowering flood insurance premiums, and increasing home values. The program is available even if a property has not previously experienced flooding or damage, but priority may go to those that have.
Applicants must meet several eligibility requirements to be considered for the Elevate Florida program. They must be over the age of 18, be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien, and own residential property in Florida. Additionally, applicants must be able to contribute up to 25% of the project’s total cost, including 25% of initial inspection costs before completion.
A project’s total cost will vary based on project type, square footage, foundation and construction type, and necessary activities. Approved applicants will receive a cost breakdown and decide whether to proceed with the next phase. The cost-share also covers relocation expenses during construction, with the program paying at least 75%. Eligible property types include single-family homes and multi-family real estate, such as duplexes, triplexes, condos, townhomes, semi-detached homes, apartments, and manufactured homes. Eligible construction projects under the program include:
- Structure Elevation – Raising an existing structure to a higher elevation.
- Mitigation Reconstruction – Building an improved, elevated structure on the same site where an existing structure has been partially or fully demolished or destroyed.
- Acquisition/Demolition – Purchasing a structure from voluntary sellers and demolishing it to be maintained as open space by the local community.
- Wind Mitigation – Enhancing the structure to reduce the risk of wind damage, including improvements to the roof, windows, doors, and other vulnerable components.
Elevate Florida could help homeowners save 75–100% on protecting their property from future flood damage, offering a cost-effective alternative to managing the project independently. The program provides full support, including contractor services, temporary housing assistance, and Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations.
For more information or to apply, visit https://fdem-resmit.my.site.com/Elevate/. Inquiries can be submitted through the program’s portal, by emailing info@elevatefl.org, or by calling 877-353-8835.